SDG 5: GENDER EQUALITY

Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5) seeks to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. Within the university context, this commitment involves ensuring that access, retention, and completion of higher education take place under equitable conditions for all genders.

At Aliah University, the institution recognizes the importance of implementing policies and mechanisms that guarantee women's participation at every stage of the educational process: from application and admission to the completion of academic programs. The university has made progress in the collection of gender-based data, the transparent publication of admission criteria and study conditions, and the establishment of affirmative actions that promote female inclusion in specific academic programs.

This report analyzes how Aliah University contributes to the fulfillment of SDG 5, specifically in the monitoring of women's application, acceptance, and study completion rates, as well as in the assurance of equal conditions for access and participation between men and women, reflecting the institution's commitment to non-discrimination and educational equity.

5.3.1 Does your university as a body systematically measure/track women's application rate, acceptance/entry rate and study completion rate at the university?

Facts & Figures

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Ahlia's Facts & Figures page shows the student population and gender distribution: 54% women / 46% male (data summarized in its figures section). This demonstrates that the university collects and publishes at least sex composition data.

Equal Opportunity

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The Equal Opportunity Committee at Ahlia University has recently conducted a self-evaluation exercise in relation to women empowerment and equal opportunity at the University.

The results published cover the period 2016-20, in line with the former institutional strategic plan 2016-20.

Equal Opportunity Plan Aims:

• To promote the principle of equal opportunity through gender-responsive policy design that achieves coherent linkage with the national legislative/policy framework within the context of multilevel (international, nationally, organisational) policy frameworks on inclusion, equal opportunity and women empowerment.
• To empower women by integrating their needs in development programmes.
• To foster a safe and supportive work environment that ensures work-life balance, life-long learning, and competitiveness for women.
• To collaborate with allies and partners to mainstream the culture of equal opportunity to society at large.
• To support national strategies as a progressive and model organization for women.

Initiative 1

• Develop a systematic and sustainable approach to equal opportunity and women empowerment through institutionalization of practice.
• Create a centralized advisory body to oversee progress and institutionalize practice
• Employ a targeted approach vis-à-vis professional development, capacity-building, and up-skilling programs to redress gender imbalance issues

Initiative 2

• Leverage partnerships for knowledge sharing and exchange of best practice in the areas of equal opportunity and women empowerment.
• Organize conferences/symposia with a focus on equal opportunity and/or women topics
• Develop a common understanding and framework with local and international partners on topics related to equal opportunity and women in STEM

Initiative 3

• Champion the principle of equal opportunity through awareness campaigns, activities, and events.
• Plan and organize women-focused events for students and staff
• Develop gender-responsive policies that foster work-life balance and life-long learning
• Develop and utilize data collection instruments to gauge and measure awareness/impact

WTUN Gender Equality Pledge:

As a founding member of the World Technology Universities Network, Ahlia University is proud of playing a key role in the development of a gender equality pledge for the network of 20+ members from across the World.

Admission Policy

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Applications are welcomed from all students regardless of race, colour, gender, religion, nationality or physical or specific learning disabilities. Admission to AU is selective and competitive based on academic achievements, and up to the limits of available seats as determined by the university.

Inclusiveness and Diversity:

In line with Ahlia University's core values which include inclusiveness, the University is committed to widening access and participation through outreach and financial aid. Admission is purely based on merit whereby AU strives to ensure a clear, fair, and equitable admission process, that leads to diversity, and equal opportunity for all learners.

Disability and Special Needs:

Ahlia University welcomes students with disability and special needs to any program offered. Students with disability and special needs are identified as students with physical or specific learning/invisible disabilities that require additional support and care, in order to reach their full academic potential. Examples include, but are not limited to, hearing and vision impairment, limited motor skills, Attention Deficit Disorders (ADD), Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), and limitations in executive functioning.

Applicants are required to officially declare their disability or special need during the application stage by filling in the relevant section in the application form.

Selection and Offers

Ahlia University operates a clear and transparent framework for application, selection, and admission. The Deanship of Student Affairs is responsible for overseeing the selection and offer process via a centralized and dedicated constituent directorate. The Directorate of Admission and Registration is responsible for all operational aspects of the process and provides advice and support to prospective students. The selection and offer process is conducted in partnership with the academic departments in all colleges.

The admission policy is designed to ensure the following:

• Selecting motivated students based on their academic ability and potential
• Providing students with accurate, transparent, consistent and timely information
• Using appropriate methods to select suitable students for their chosen program
• Selecting students that are committed and self-disciplined

An admission offer to Ahlia University is contingent on the applicant demonstrating sufficient academic preparation and potential for success.

Program Specific Admission Requirements

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The applicants who meet the following programme specific admission requirements will be admitted to the Ahlia University:

Al-Ahlia University is now accepting admissions for all its programs for the upcoming academic year.

ahlia.edu.bh

Al-Ahlia University has announced the opening of admissions for all its academic programs, including bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees, for new students in the first semester of the new academic year 2024/2023, in accordance with the academic regulations of the General Secretariat of Higher Education.